Man City can beat Southampton at their own game to close Premier League gap to Arsenal

High on the agenda for Manchester City when they head to Southampton will be not to concede free-kicks in their half.

Pep Guardiola has raved about James Ward-Prowse's ability for years, so the fewer corners and set pieces the Blues can concede the better. Southampton have scored nine of their goals this season that way - as many as City have and a whopping 39 per cent of their total goals - and will be looking to exploit any weakness they can find.

To their credit though, City have seriously tightened up. After winning the league while conceding from just one set piece last season, City let in four that way in their first 14 games as they struggled to find the right organisation before the World Cup.

Also read: How Man City should line up against Southampton

There have been none since though as the defence have tightened up considerably. And with nine set-piece goals of their own and a threat from Rodri and their centre-backs at the other end of the pitch, City could beat Southampton at their own game.

It is simple but it is true: City realistically have to win this game if they want to win the Premier League title. Arsenal are eight points ahead already and will have a free hit at Anfield on Sunday if they know that their nearest rivals are no closer to them.

City have not always found it easy to play at St Mary's, and a few seasons ago lost at the ground the game after battering Liverpool. The squad know though that there can be no let-up on recent form if they are to keep putting pressure on Arsenal.

Erling Haaland has trained this week and looks hungry to get back on the pitch and back among the goals. If he is fit enough, he will surely start even with Bayern Munich on the horizon.

Nevertheless, Julian